Published on January 11, 2024
Ride Profile
The longer route with more options. An extended version of Pinnacle Cellar Doors that includes Macquariedale, Borrodell and the Pinnacle. Also takes in Lake Canobolas and provides more food options.
I’ve set this version to go in the reverse direction. Ride out to Lake Canobolas, grab a coffee / lunch and have a swim before heading on to the cellar doors. This route then climbs to the top of the Pinnacle via Borrodell & Macquariedale before the downhill run back to town via the cluster of cellar doors at Wallace Lane.
This route is rolling with a few short but steep climbs on the way to the lake, then the main climb up the Pinnacle from there.
Note: this route is on-road, shared with traffic, so please be careful drinking and riding.
Road Condition
Fully sealed except for the cellar door driveways and an easy gravel singletrack section through to the lake. Generally quite good condition, although does get quite patchy in places. The road past south of the lake is quite rough. When returning to town, be careful on the downhill from Wallace Lane, it’s steep, heavily patched and subject to potholes.
Which Bike?
As most of the cellar doors have gravel driveways, something with wider tyres is ideal such as a gravel bike or MTB. If you struggle with hills you might prefer an e-bike.
Bike Hire
DG Cycle Co have a good selection e-bikes to hire.
Traffic
Generally light, although during peak hours and school pickup / drop-off there are more cars on the road. Lightens once you are past Shiralee Road. Single file recommended in busier areas. Also can be busier on Sunday during the day with higher tourist traffic.
When to Ride
Five of the seven cellar doors are open all week so any day of the week works for this route. Note, the café at the lake is closed on Mondays. Cellar doors are generally open from late morning to late afternoon.
Route Stats
| Distance: | 29km |
| Elevation: | 410m |
| Time: | 1.5hrs |
| Profile: | Rolling |
| Type: | Cellar Door |
| Longest Climb: | 1.9km at 8.5% |
| Percent Gravel: | 5% |
| Gravel Rating:* | Level 2 |
*See gravel rating for more details
The Cellar Doors
An excellent selection of cellar doors on this route, generally open around 11am, some a little earlier on weekends – check their websites for details.
Borrodell
Vineyard, orchard & trufferie. Sitting high above Lake Canobolas, the views from Borrodell across the Towac Valley are stunning. Features Sister’s Rock restaurant.
Open: Thu to Mon
Food: grazing platters & restaurant
Bookings: recommended
Macquariedale
Organic, biodynamic, low preservative, vegan-friendly, natural wines. Macquariedale is one of the highest vineyards in Orange with views over the Towac Valley. Offer two types of picnic – bookings essential.
Open: Fri to Mon
Food: grazing platters & picnics
Bookings: recommended
Ross Hill
Ranked among the “Best of the Best” by Halliday receiving a 5 star rating for the last 13 years. Cellar Door of the Year at the 2023 Orange Wine Show. A winery with a strong sustainability focus. Features the Barrel & Larder cooking school.
Open: 7 days
Food: tasting plates
Bookings: recommended
Lunch / Snack Options
Lakeside Kiosk & Café at Lake Canobolas is open Tuesday to Sunday, breakfast & lunch.
Sister’s Rock Restaurant at Borrodell is open for lunch Thursday to Monday.
Tasting Plates / Grazing Boards at Borrodell, Macquariedale, Philip Shaw, Word of Mouth or Ross Hill.
Macquariedale offer two picnic options (must be booked in advance).
Pack your own picnic from Racine, Sugar Mill or the Agrestic Grocer or return to town and grab lunch at anyone of our excellent cafés, restaurants or pubs. Stop at the Pinnacle Reserve picnic tables or climb Pinnacle lookout to picnic on the rocks and enjoy stunning views over the Towac.
Alternative Routes
For a shorter option with 5 cellar doors try the Pinnacle Cellar Doors route. It’s only 18km (272m elevation gain) and close to town.
Gallery
